Liturgy 12/20/2020

PRELUDE — O, Holy Night” by Adolphe Charles Adam, John Sullivan Dwight, and Placide Cappeau

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Luke 2:8-14

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, 

keeping watch over their flock by night.  

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, 

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 

and they were filled with great fear.  

And the angel said to them, 

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy 

that will be for all the people.  

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, 

who is Christ the Lord.  

And this will be a sign for you: 

you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host 

praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

SONG –

“O Come All Ye Faithful” by C. Frederick Oakeley and John Francis Wade                           

CONFESSION OF SIN – Luke 3:2-6

the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 

And he went into all the region around the Jordan, 

proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight.
 Every valley shall be filled,
    and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
    and the rough places shall become level ways,
⁶ and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

Let’s prepare our hearts for entering into the presence of the Lord

by taking a moment to confess our sins together.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – John 3:16-17

Hear this assurance of Pardon

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but in order that the world might be saved through him.

SONGS – 

“Wonderful, Merciful, Savior” by Dawn Rogers and Eric Wyse

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH—Nicene Creed

Let’s confirm our faith together using the words of the Nicene Creed. Please stand and read with me.

We believe in one God, 

the Father Almighty, 

Maker of heaven and earth, 

of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, 

the only-begotten Son of God, 

begotten of the Father before all worlds; 

God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; 

begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, 

by whom all things were made; 

who for us and for our salvation, 

came down from heaven, 

and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, 

and was made man; 

and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; 

He suffered and was buried;

 and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures, 

and ascended into heaven, 

and is seated at the right hand of the Father; 

and He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; 

whose kingdom shall have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Ghost, 

the Lord and giver of Life; 

who proceeds from the Father and the Son; 

who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; 

who spoke by the prophets; 

and we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church; 

we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; 

and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 

Amen.

“O Come O Come Emmanuel” by John Mason Neale and Thomas Helmore

PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING –Hebrews 2:14-18 

SERMON (Nathan) – “The Benefits of the Incarnation”

SONG –

“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” by Charles Wesley

LORD’S TABLE (Nathan) – 

SONG— 

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley and Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy          

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE – “Joy to the World” by George Frideric Handel and Isaac Watts

Liturgy 12/11/2020

PRELUDE — “Go Tell It On the Mountain” by John W. Work, Jr.

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Luke 1:30-33

In announcing the birth of Christ, the angel Gabriel said to Mary

 “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, 

and you shall call his name Jesus. 

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 

And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 

and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, 

and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Let’s stand and worship our king together

SONG –

“All Creatures of Our God and King” by Jonathan Baird, Ryan Baird, St. Francis of Assisi, and William Henry Draper

CONFESSION OF SIN – 

In light of the Kingdom of Christ, let’s confess our sins together.

Read with me this confession of sin

Lord Jesus, I have sinned times without number, 

and been guilty of pride and unbelief, 

and of neglect to seek you in my daily life. 

My sins and shortcomings present me with a list of accusations, 

but I thank you that they will not stand against me, 

for all have been laid on Christ. 

Deliver me from every evil habit, 

every interest of former sins, 

everything that dims the brightness of your grace in me, 

everything that prevents me taking delight in you. 

Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Psalm 103:8-12

Hear this assurance of Pardon

The Lord is merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
    nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
    nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

SONGS – 

“Bless the Lord Oh My Soul” by Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley and Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy

PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING –Zephaniah 3:9-20 

SERMON (Nathan) – “The Singing God”

SONG –

“Great Are You Lord” by David Leonard, Jason Ingram, and Leslie Jordam

LORD’S TABLE – 

SONG— 

“O, Holy Night” by Adolphe Charles Adam, John Sullivan Dwight, and Placide Cappeau

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE – “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” by Charles Wesley

Liturgy 12/6/2020

PRELUDE –“Tears of the Saints” by Leeland playing in the background Start at 9:55 AM

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Luke 1:46-55

In light of the news of the coming of the Lord, Mary proclaims

 “My soul magnifies the Lord,
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Let’s come before the Lord together in adoration

SONG –

“Angels We Have Heard On High” by Edward Shippen Barnes and James Chadwick

CONFESSION OF SIN – Isa. 1:18-20

“Come now, let us reasontogether, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
    they shall become like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
    you shall eat the good of the land;
but if you refuse and rebel,
    you shall be eaten by the sword;
    for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

In light of the Lord’s justice, 

let’s take a moment to repent of our sins 

and return to the Lord

[Moment of Silence]

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Luke 9:2

“Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”

SONGS – 

“Be Magnified” by Lynn DeShazo

“We Fall Down” by Chris Tomlin

PRAYER Be Seated

SCRIPTURE READING –Zephaniah 2:4-3:8 Please stand for the reading of God’s word. Respond with “Thanks be to God.”

SERMON (Nathan) – “Desolate City”

SONG –

“Kindness” by Chris Tomlin

LORD’S TABLE – 

SONG— 

“O Come All Ye Faithful” by C. Frederick Oakeley and John Francis Wade

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE – “Ever Be” by Bobby Strand, Chris Greely, Gabriel Wilson, and Kalley Heiligenthal

Liturgy 11/29/2020

PRELUDE –“Tears of the Saints” by Leeland

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Isa. 9:2-7

Hear this call to worship from Isa. 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
    on them has light shone.
You have multiplied the nation;
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden,
    and the staff for his shoulder,
    the rod of his oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
    and every garment rolled in blood
    will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon^[b] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called^[c]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

SONG –

“Holy, Holy, Holy” by John Bacchus Dykes and Reginald Heber

CONFESSION OF SIN – Deut. 28:15-19

“But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God

or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you.

Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the field.

Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

Cursed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground,

the increase of your herds and the young of your flock.

Cursed shall you be when you come in,

and cursed shall you be when you go out.

In Light of God’s holy justice and anger against sin, let’s take a moment to repent of our iniquities and return humbly to the Lord our God. 

[Moment of Silence]

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Rom. 5:1-2

Hear this Assurance of Pardon from Rom. 5:1-2

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, 

wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Through him we have also obtained access by faithinto this grace in which we stand, and werejoicein hope of the glory of God.

SONGS – 

“Create in Me a Clean Heart” by Keith Green

 “O Come O Come Emmanuel” by John Mason Neale and Thomas Helmore

PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING – Psalm 87 

SERMON (Ryan) –

SONG –

“Jesus, Thank You” by Pat Sczebel

LORD’S TABLE (Nathan) – 

SONG— 

“We Will Feast in the House of Zion” by Joshua Moore and Sandra McCracken

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE – “Ever Be” by Bobby Strand, Chris Greely, Gabriel Wilson, and Kalley Heiligenthal

IBC Liturgy 11/22/2020

PRELUDE – “Christ Our Hope In Life and Death”

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Exodus 15:11-13

Hear this call to worship from Exodus 15:11-13

Who among the gods
    is like you, Lord?
Who is like you—
    majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
    working wonders?

 “You stretch out your right hand,
    and the earth swallows your enemies.
In your unfailing love you will lead
    the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
    to your holy dwelling.

SONG –

“Holy Is the Lord” by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio

CONFESSION OF SIN – From Martin Bucer’s 1539 Liturgy

“Let’s confess our sins together using Martin Bucer’s prayer from his 1539 Liturgy. Read with me aloud.”

Almighty, eternal God and Father, we confess and acknowledge unto You that we were conceived in unrighteousness and are full of sin and transgression in all our life. We do not fully believe Your Word nor follow Your holy commandments. Remember Your goodness, we beseech You, and for Your Name’s sake be gracious unto us, and forgive us our iniquity which, alas, is great Amen.

[Moment of Silence]

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Psalm 103:1-5

“Listen to how the Psalmist talks to himself in Psalm 103:1-5”

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Hear This Assurance of Pardon:

“Through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, the Lord forgives our sins and cleanses our unrighteousness.”

SONGS – 

“Not in Me” by David L. Ward and Eric Shumacher

“Your Name” by Paul Baloche

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Paragraph 1

“Let’s affirm together what we Christians believe to be true about the Lord our God. Read with me from the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Paragraph 1.”

The Lord our God is but one only living and true God;

 whose subsistence is in and of Himself, infinite in being and perfection; 

whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself; a most pure spirit,invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, 

dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; 

who is immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, every way infinite, most holy, most wise, most free, most absolute; 

working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable 

and most righteous will, for His own glory; 

most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, 

abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; 

the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, 

and withal most just and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin, 

and who will by no means clear the guilty.

PRAYER Be seated

SCRIPTURE READING –Zephaniah 1:1-2:3 Please stand and respond with “This is the Word of the Lord

SERMON – “A Place to Hide”

SONG –

“Rock of Ages” by Augustus Toplady

LORD’S TABLE – 

SONG— 

“Sing to the King” by Billy Foote

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE –  “Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me by “City Alight”

Liturgy (10/25)

PRELUDE – “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Josh Garrels

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Hebrews 4:14-16

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens,

Jesus, the Son of God,

let us hold fast our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,

that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

SONG –

“How Great Is Our God” by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves

CONFESSION OF SIN –

Merciful Lord, we confess that with us there is an abundance of sin,

but in you there is the fullness of righteousness and abundance of mercy.

We are spiritually poor,

but you are rich and in Jesus Christ came to be merciful to the poor.

Strengthen our faith and trust in you.

We are empty vessels that need to be filled; fill us.

We are weak in faith; strengthen us.

We are cold in love; warm us, and make our hearts fervent for you

that our love may go out to one another and to our neighbors.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Psalm 103:8-12

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;

he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

SONGS –

“Give us Clean Hands” by Charlie Hall

“Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me” by Citylight

PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING – Habakkuk 1:1-17

SERMON – “Our Hope in Christ”

SONG –

“All Glory Be to Christ” by Dustin Kensrue

THE LORD’S TABLE

SONG—

“Christ is Risen” by Matt Maher

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE – “Through it All” by Sean McDonald

Addendum to The Immanuel Plan for Gathering Again

As coronavirus cases are starting to surge in Chicago (which is going to be further complicated by entering what was already the normal flu and cold season), we wanted to give more guidelines for making sure that we can safely maintain meeting together for worship and fellowship.

We want to continue being Bible directed, which involves loving our city and our neighbors by trying to prevent the spread of COVID until there’s a vaccine or treatment (i.e. Rom. 13:10). And we want to continue to be local government informed (1Pe. 2:13-17).

Recommendations:

· Please be sure to RSVP to church services early every week! This helps us to follow city limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings and also helps us know who may be exposed in case of future infections.

· During this season, if you are feeling sick please do not attend worship, even if you don’t think you have COVID. Oftentimes how people respond to a cold and COVID can be very similar.

· Please default to getting tested if you are feeling ill. If you get tested negative, other people may not have to get tested. If you are positive, however, others have the chance to get tested so they can make informed decisions on how to avoid further infecting others in the community.  If you have tested positive, please let us know here.

· We encourage you to receive the flu vaccine this year. Although influenza is less deadly than COVID-19, it is also very infectious and can confuse people with whether they have COVID or not. This can negatively impact ability to go to work, school, or other things.

· Please follow city recommendations and guidelines for travel restrictions as best as you can.

· Please follow CDC recommendations on mask wearing and hand hygiene as best as you can.

· And remember: even if you may not be in danger of serious complications from COVID, you can start a chain of infection that can ultimately infect someone who is more likely to have serious complications. Please do not see these measures merely in the context of individual protection. They are in place to also help others.

The following are two flow charts to help you think through what to do if you are directly exposed to someone with COVID or are experiencing COVID-like symptoms.

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Liturgy 10/18/2020

PRELUDE – “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Josh Garrels

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Psalm 5:7-8

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
    will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
    in the fear of you.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies;
    make your way straight before me.

SONG –

“How Great Thou Art” by Stuart K. Hine

CONFESSION OF SIN – Dan. 9:4-11

Let’s confess our sins together praying Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9:4-11

“O Lord, the great and awesome God, 

who keeps covenant and steadfast love 

with those who love him and keep his commandments, 

we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, 

turning aside from your commandments and rules. 

We have not listened to your servants the prophets, 

who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, 

and to all the people of the land. 

 To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, 

but to us open shame, as at this day, to the men of Judah, 

to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, 

those who are near and those who are far away, 

in all the lands to which you have driven them, 

because of the treachery that they have committed against you. 

To us, O Lord, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. 

To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, 

for we have rebelled against him 

and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God by walking in his laws, 

which he set before us by his servants the prophets. 

 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice. 

And the curse and oath that are written in the Law of Moses the servant of God 

have been poured out upon us, 

because we have sinned against him.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Heb. 4:14-16

Hear this assurance of pardon from Heb. 4:14-16

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, 

Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 

 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, 

that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

SONGS – 

“Lord I Need You”by Christy Nockels, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves, Kristian Stanfill, and Matt Maher

“It Is Well with My Soul” by Horatio Gates Spafford and Philip Paul Bliss

PRAYER have people sit

SCRIPTURE READING –Habakkuk 1:1-15 have people stand for the reading. End with “This is the word of the Lord.” 

SERMON (Nathan) –  “LORD What Are You Doing?”

SONG –

“Before the Throne of God Above” by Charitie Lees Bancroft and Vikki Cook

LORD’S TABLE – 

SONG— 

“On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” by Edward Mote

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE – “Through it all” by Sean Mcdonald

Liturgy 9/20

PRELUDE – “It’s Not Enough” by Dustin Kensrue

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Psalm 5:11-12

Hear this call to worship from Psalm 5:11-12

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may exult in you.
 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
    you cover him with favor as with a shield.

SONG –

“Glory in the Highest” by Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carlson, Ed Cash, Jesse Reeves, and Matt Redman

CONFESSION OF SIN – Psalm 51

Let’s read this confession of sin together from Psalm 51

Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
    and justified when you judge.

 Surely I was sinful at birth,
    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
    you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    so that sinners will turn back to you.
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
    you who are God my Savior,
    and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
Open my lips, Lord,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise.

 May it please you to prosper Zion,
    to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
    in burnt offerings offered whole;
    then bulls will be offered on your altar.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Psalm 32:1-2

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

SONGS – 

“To The Cross I Cling” by Isaac Wimberley, Matt Boswell, and Michael Bleecker

“How Can I Keep From Singing?” by Chris Tomlin

PRAYER Be Seated

SCRIPTURE READING – 1 John 5:13-17  Please Stand. End with “This is the Word of the Lord.” 

SERMON (Nathan)

SONG –

“Before the Throne of God Above” by Charitie Lees Bancroft and Vikki Cook

LORD’S TABLE

SONG— 

“It Is Finished” by Dustin Kensrue

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE – “The Cost” by Rend Collective

Liturgy 9/13

PRELUDE – “Carried to the Table” by Leeland

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – 

Here these words from Isaiah 46:8-10

“Remember this and stand firm,
    recall it to mind, you transgressors,
    remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
    and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
    and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

Let’s stand and worship the unchanging God.

SONG –

“Unchanging” by Chris Tomlin

CONFESSION OF SIN – Matt. 3:10-12

In Matt. 3:10-12, John the Baptist bore witness to Jesus proclaiming:

   The ax is already at the root of the trees, 

and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down

 and thrown into the fire.

 I baptize you with water for repentance. 

But after me comes one who is more powerful than I,

 whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. 

He will baptize you withthe Holy Spirit and fire.  

His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, 

gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

In light of the coming kingdom of Christ, let’s take a moment to reflect upon our sins and repent of the many ways we fall short of his righteousness.

[Moment of Silence]

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Matt 3:13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.

But John tried to deter him, saying, 

“I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now;

 it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” 

Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. 

At that moment heaven was opened, 

and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 

 And a voice from heaven said,

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, sinners like us can receive his perfect righteousness and his inheritance of Sonship. 

Let’s stand and worship our savior together. 

SONGS – 

“Nothing But the Blood” by Robert Lowry

“At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Jonas Myrin, Matt Armstrong, and Matt Redman

PRAYER  Please be seated

SCRIPTURE READING – 1 John 5:6-12 Please stand and respond with “This is the word of the Lord.” 

SERMON (Timothy Easterday) “The Superior Testimony of God”

SONG –

“There Is A Fountain Filled with Blood” by William Cowper

LORD’S TABLE (Theo) – 

SONG— 

“Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves

BENEDICTION (Jeremiah)

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Jeremiah)

POSTLUDE – “No Longer Slaves” by Josh Garrels